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On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront
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On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront

1954
Romance, Drama
1h 48m
Terry Malloy dreams about being a prize fighter, while tending his pigeons and running errands at the docks for Johnny Friendly, the corrupt boss of the dockers union. Terry witnesses a murder by two of Johnny's thugs, and later meets the dead man's sister and feels responsible for his death. She introduces him to Father Barry, who tries to force him to provide information for the courts that will smash the dock racketeers. (IMDB.com)

On the Waterfront

1954
Romance, Drama
1h 48m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 71.8% from 3634 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

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Rated 06 Feb 2007
75
50th
One of the worst musical scores of all time single-handedly manages to knock this one down from "great" to just "good" for me. Perhaps its greatest achievement is introducing a new, more naturalistic style of acting to Hollywood. The story is good, but it doesn't blow me away.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
25th
Good, but not especially impressive. It's mostly the performances that make it decent. It's hard to watch this without considering the personal implications it had for Kazan. Also, the score is unbearably oppressive.
Rated 17 Aug 2007
89
88th
I know people are sick and tired of hearing this, but here it is: Marlon Brando is the shit. His performance is absolutely stellar, and Eva Marie Saint is smokin. But Lee J Cobb really stands out in this, I don't know if it is because I adore him in 12 Angry Men, but Cobb is the man. This is a terrific film, and ahead of its time, but Brando's on screen presence, and Kazan's directing are certainly the high points of this classic film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
44th
The behaviour of director Kazan during the McCarthy period tends to put into even starker relief the questionable politics of this movie about union corruption. If the movie is intended as a defense of that behaviour, then in my view it fails. Although Brando's acting has been justly celebrated, the film is, in the end, a rather simplistic, melodramatic, and over-praised morality play.
Rated 06 Jan 2007
4
70th
The historic significance of this film stands entirely on the shoulders of Brando's stellar performance, which, though perhaps not the greatest of all-time, is certainly in the conversation. There are some other fine performances as well, notably Lee J. Cobb (who kicks ass in everything), but nothing else about this movie really screams greatness. It's still very good, though.
Rated 31 May 2008
85
60th
Brando's the one who gets all the hype, and his performance is absolutely stellar, but I also really enjoyed Cobb and Steiger in their brief time on screen. Malden is great, and the script is fantastic all-around. The historical context may somewhat taint the experience, but the biggest flaw is undoubtedly in the score, which is overdone and at points absolutely terrible. There are crucial scenes between Brando and Saint where there's loud music playing for no reason. What's the big idea?
Rated 03 Oct 2008
90
91st
Superb film with an absolutely incredible performance by Brando that secures him as one of the best actors ever on screen. The film becomes even more powerful when you know about Kazan's involvement with the House of Un-American Activities Committee as it undoubtedly reflects how he feels about it.
Rated 26 Dec 2008
9
90th
(second viewing) Some say Brando makes this film; It's a noteworthy and amazing performance, but the film is an ambitious piece of work, referenced of course in Scorsese's Raging Bull (which was superiour to this one). I can see the resemblance, two fighters working their way up in life, fighting obstructions and dishonesty they meet along the way. I know the following has been hailed by many, but the scene in the back of the car, is honestly one of the best 3 minutes in cinematic history.
Rated 07 Jul 2010
85
92nd
The story may seem simple, but the way it is acted and shot lifts it to great heights. So many wonderful individual moments, and the atmosphere throughout is amazing. Brando was impressive, but Cobb and Malden add just as much to the film. The soundtrack was the weakest element, it distracts more than it helps build a mood. Apart from that, On The Waterfront is definitely more than the sum of its parts.
Rated 20 Jul 2011
90
92nd
Holy moly the music in this almost ruins certain scenes, turn that down Buster Brown, YEESH
Rated 11 May 2019
95
97th
Elia Kazan doesn't waste any scenes here and I appreciate that. Romance was a bit of a stretch. Great social commentary and setting at the docks with the union and the oppressed workers. Plot points/twists were predictable but probably because other films have copied this. Fav scenes: priest's passionate appeal and the brother's coded plea to Marlon Brando.
Rated 07 Oct 2007
60
28th
Great acting from Brando, and the cinematography is pretty good. After that I don't have a whole lot to say that's positive about this one. Full of cheesy good-vs-evil storytelling, and the soundtrack hurts the film as much as people say.
Rated 01 Jun 2014
70
78th
Crazy how the first two acts are a tender romance/character study with solid religous/philosophical themes; and then it turns into some unrealistic, melodramatic, political horseshit. The music, the use of it, and the volume of it are all horrific. My score is only this high b/c thru the first two acts, I thought this might be one of my new favorite movies. Real characters, great writing, the best acting. Brando makes everyone around him better, and changed acting forever and for the better.
Rated 27 Sep 2010
30
12th
Dull. The only good performance is Brando - everyone else sounds like they're rushing through their lines. The priest is especially bad. Features a cartoonish villain, who gets an ending straight out of a Disney movie. TERRIBLE soundtrack, maybe the worst I have ever heard. It may be a historically significant film, but that doesn't make it a good film, especially judged by today's standards.
Rated 21 Feb 2012
78
57th
A supposedly classic film but to me it seemed no more than an above average drama in which most elements were ok to decent, without ever coming close to spectacular. What it lacked on the romance front it made up for in the tension permeating Terry's situation in the final act. Acting was ok, Brando good, supporting characters a bit ropey. Looked and sounded average. As a whole, not up to the standard of contemporaries such as Hitchcock, Welles, or Wilder.
Rated 16 Jul 2014
83
95th
The score blows, and there are several dated elements, but it's really all about Brando and the gritty poetic realism influenced by the Italian film makers of the 1950's.
Rated 01 Dec 2013
80
84th
Sentimental and moralistic, for sure, but thematic simplicity becomes less of a problem when the acting performances are so assured and so full of empathy. It's not just Brando, either. Everyone is on top of their game here, but I was particularly impressed by Saint and Steiger. As good as the famous taxi scene is, my favourite moment was Brando's dockside confession being drowned out by the wall of industrial noise; it felt strikingly modern.
Rated 20 Dec 2012
3
24th
On the Waterfront? More like On the Roof, amirite?
Rated 20 Feb 2014
30
22nd
Brando is great, and most of the other actors hold their own, but Kazan's direction is like that of a play: servicable, but fairly bland. The biggest problem by a fair margin, though, is the score, which is one of the most obnoxious and overblown pieces of crap I've ever heard. You've got a movie in which the performances are the main draw, and yet there are lines of dialogue that simply cannot be heard over the loudest fucking horns in the world. A shame.
Rated 01 Nov 2016
85
81st
Definitely really enjoyed it, loved seeing Brando (who rightfully gets a lot of praise), Saint and Cobb especially. There are some great moments like in the back of the cab, and the direction is good. However, I don't know; I guess it just doesn't have the extra oomph to put it up to a 90 for me. Maybe it's because there are some odd moments, like when loud sounds/music plays over important scenes where it is not needed, and detracts from it. Still a classic and deserving of the status.
Rated 31 Oct 2010
78
65th
Very good, though not all that great outside of the acting. Brando really knocks it out of the park, and the other actors all do fine jobs themselves. Lee J. Cobb gets special mention for being great in this and 12 Angry Men. The thing I disliked most about this movie was the awful, overbearing score
Rated 03 Dec 2009
93
87th
It's just the film that changed the very nature of acting, that's all. Brando's work is indeed something to marvel at: grounded, earthy, genuine and also boldly alive, suggesting complicated inner working with every step he takes, every sideways glance. His inventiveness wears off as the whole cast is in line with his excellence. There are some bumps in the narrative such as reactions to Malloy's raised voice against corruption that don't completely ring true. It's still gripping throughout.
Rated 21 Sep 2019
90
92nd
It's funny to compare a motivated Brando to his later work.
Rated 21 Oct 2014
53
31st
What's with Brando's eyebrows? MAJOR divo...
Rated 08 Mar 2010
75
35th
I thought it was rather boring. Brando looks like he has too much make-up on. The girl loves him from a few chance encounters? A man who murders people for less does not think to murder both brothers to prevent testimony? I just didn't feel involved. The acting is good, but the story is just a bland morality play.
Rated 02 Sep 2012
84
72nd
Like a lot of pre-70's films there r a few moments of hokeyness (Bernstein's score may wake the neighbors & not just feminists should find Eva Marie Saint's turnaround ridiculous), but like a lot of pre-70's film this is still better than a lot of the market-tested junk we have now. Brando certainly earns his kudos here, pulling off a bone-deep, world-weary resignation while never seeming uncharismatic& the film's portrayal of the world of dock workers & corrupt union bosses is gritty & lived-in
Rated 25 May 2011
90
78th
Great filmmaking and performances are somewhat marred by a disgusting message.
Rated 16 Sep 2023
60
23rd
Open and creative style of telling the story. However the result doesn't live up to its ambitions: there are too many holes and most characters get stuck at comic book level - his brother Jimmy being the best example of this. Brando alternates great moments with trendy mannerisms. The music is wrong in a weird way, like it's been written by a calculator. Lee J Cobb entertained me the best, a matter of taste i guess. He now tops my Favorite Shouter List together with Pacino and Hopkins.
Rated 06 Jun 2011
60
29th
Average direction, ho-hum writing and some very impressive performances add up to a decent but unspectacular film. "On the Waterfront" is mostly dull and simplistic -an uninteresting and manipulative morality play. What elevates it is the acting. Brando is a remarkable protagonist, while Cobb and Steiger are strong as well. Thanks to their contributions, this is watchable and occasionally even powerful. Unfortunately, the great parts are few and far between -the final outcome is sharply uneven.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
10
98th
I think Marlon Brando's best performance was in this, what an absolutely amazing and classic film. The development of Brando's character and the directing from Elia Kazan are the best aspects. It's certainly something I could watch over and over again without getting tired of.
Rated 12 Dec 2008
80
80th
A great movie with a good script and performances well developed. Marlon Brando is impeccable. But unfortunately, today lost its strength due to many films of this genre, which are superior. But it is a classic.
Rated 25 Jul 2010
99
97th
Elia Kazan's tale of mob violence is one to remember, featuring excellent performances and likable and well crafted characters
Rated 15 Sep 2011
40
18th
I don't like the movie, I didn't enjoy it, but some technical aspects are fine and so it is Brando's performance. The current score is considering only that, just because it's a correct but boring and uninteresting story about one against the world. If I would have to score it considering the real message of self-defense Kazan wanted to sell everyone that the correct thing to do was the witch hunt he supported against 'communist' artists... then something below 0 would be much more accurate.
Rated 22 Sep 2009
84
86th
Easily superior to many films, the best performances here are Karl Malden and marlon brando, in that order. I find this movie interesting while being completely engrossing and generally well acted, exept for a couple real stand-outs. No doubt this is one of the best of the 50's. Karl Malden easily has one of the best monologues I've ever heard.
Rated 04 Feb 2022
2
10th
Kazan being able to make this movie while he fucked over his so called friends and colleagues is sickening.
Rated 28 Feb 2011
75
63rd
Very well done indeed, obviously a classic -- just not my personal cup of fur.
Rated 13 Jan 2016
83
58th
Iconic stuff. It was only Brando's sixth film, but his performance is absolutely outstanding. Pretty neat cinematography, I loved the framing of the faces whenever there was a powerful scene. The female character is pretty feeble, that's regrettable. The priest's character is very neatly drawn.
Rated 17 Apr 2007
92
93rd
# 80
Rated 18 Jul 2011
80
91st
Familiar underdog tale that's elevated by an all-time great acting performance.
Rated 09 Feb 2022
50
21st
I can see why this is held in such esteem by directors and actors as it’s a good example of getting performance out of an actor and what an actor can do when they truly embrace a role. That said not my kind of movie even getting away from the abhorrent politics of that rat Kazan
Rated 09 Jan 2014
80
0th
2x
Rated 12 Jul 2012
93
91st
A powerful film, masterfully directed, and filled with powerful performances. Steiger and Cobb may strut too much, but Saint, Balsam and Malden are fine. Amd Brando, of course, is magnificent.
Rated 29 May 2013
8
93rd
marlon brando!
Rated 17 Aug 2011
87
75th
"You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it."
Rated 25 Sep 2007
75
57th
Melodramatic--but still fun.
Rated 22 Mar 2020
76
41st
Decent melodrama, occasionally elevated by capable performances.
Rated 18 Jul 2011
100
98th
With his electrifying performance in Elia Kazan's thought-provoking, expertly constructed melodrama, Marlon Brando redefined the possibilities of acting for film and helped permanently alter the cinematic landscape.
Rated 09 Feb 2015
100
99th
When I finally saw this movie, one line made me realize how everyone who does an impression of Brando saying "I coulda BEEN somebody" gets it so wrong. It's "I coulda been SOMEBODY"
Rated 19 Mar 2007
92
88th
This is Elia Kazan's greatest film. It is sort of a personal apology by the director for not speaking out against the red scare tactics politicians had while blacklisting his collegues. He does a great job portraying that through Marlon Brando's unbelievable performance. It's just an all around excellent movie.
Rated 29 Dec 2011
86
94th
This is a great movie to watch if you've never seen a good dramatic organized crime movie. Before the more modern movies like The Godfather or Goodfellas, I'd watch this one. It's a good place to get started in the genre, but even if you have already seen those newer movies, you can see a bit of their roots in this one. It's been very influential. And anyway, it has a fantastic story.
Rated 16 Apr 2012
0
4th
old
Rated 07 Sep 2012
75
17th
sorry boys - I found this badly dated
Rated 21 Jan 2016
90
90th
It's hard to nitpick parts of this film, because the whole of it is so amazing. If I had to say something negative, the story started out a bit slow, but that was quickly remedied. On the Waterfront is shot very well, with incredibly long and tricky shots sandwhiched in. Marlon Brando is Marlon Brando. Amazing. And the rest of the cast consists of few slackers at all. Another absolute classic.
Rated 23 Jan 2020
80
97th
Above-average drama with excellent performances by all the actors, it well worth watching.
Rated 17 Sep 2013
84
47th
Marvelous central performance. Steiger also brilliant. Movie overall shows it's age a little but worth seeing for those great performances.
Rated 29 Jul 2007
88
90th
It was very Christian..
Rated 04 Mar 2009
60
85th
A lot of it is over the top -- Leonard Bernstein's lurid music, Cobb, Malden, the operatic finale -- but Boris Kaufman's gritty photography keeps it grounded.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
80
91st
excellent brando!
Rated 28 Mar 2010
75
79th
Cobb's the real star here, for me.
Rated 27 Oct 2022
73
29th
Most of the movie is no great shakes, but Brando! Brando!!!!! An utterly amazing performance that changed the way people acted in front of cameras forever and that’s literally not even an exaggeration. Eva Marie Saint was great too and it’s well-shot and generally a high level of quality just kinda dated
Rated 22 May 2015
2
11th
in which elia kazan justifies his actions against former leftist activists on behalf of the american government. there is no better way to say "unions need to be regulated" than a dimestore romance! fuck kazan.
Rated 30 Jul 2012
95
91st
The film's influence on Hollywood storytelling is staggering (especially for female characters), and I mean that in the best way possible. Top it off with a great story and excellent Brando acting and you got a winner that should not be forgotten. As far as dramatic romances go, this blows Casablanca out of the water for me.
Rated 20 Apr 2007
78
88th
I have to get this out of the way - a lot of the plot turns, especially at the beginning, are a bit too obvious, and there's undeniably a moralistic element here. But still this is a great classic that hasn't aged too much, powerful, with wonderful acting from Brando, Steiger and especially Lee J. Cobb. It's true that Leonard Bernstein's score is a bit too much a lot of the time.
Rated 03 Jun 2020
40
39th
I personally find the music interesting
Rated 19 May 2007
100
91st
Brando gives maybe the best performance of all time.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
70th
fabulous acting
Rated 25 Jun 2011
67
30th
mafya, insan pazari, cinayet (boksör terry abisi charley vasitasiyla mafyanin islettigi limanlarda calismaktadir. bir gün arkadasi Joey'i catiya cagirir ve mafya onu öldürür. joey'in kiz kardesi olayi cözmeye calisir. Terry'nin vicadani sizlamaktadir. bir rahibinde motivasyonuyla konusmaya karar verir. isin rengi degisir. cok begenmedim vasat bir filmdi. hatta bunaltti biraz. Siyah Beyaz
Rated 07 Dec 2019
59
50th
Leão
Rated 19 Feb 2024
75
76th
Cinematography, Brando's performance and yada yada yada. This is a film where Kazan really shows us how intimate his awareness of the construction of cinematic sequences can be, leading to some astonishing moments. It's a riveting film.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
95
90th
104
Rated 28 Jan 2011
81
88th
A Hollywood classic in every way: Kazan's bitter look at a post-war America meets the perfect actor, Marlon Brando, in his best shape. Sweet.
Rated 27 Feb 2014
94
89th
One of Marlon Brando's earlier movies. And, rightfully so, this is considered one of his best roles, as well as one of his better movies in general. On the Waterfront is a great crime drama with strong writing and great performances.
Rated 27 Aug 2014
78
41st
excellent Brando, memorable framing
Rated 22 Dec 2016
86
86th
More movies should show the impacts of the mafia and gangster culture on the common folk, like this one, conveying real dilemmas of everyday life. To me, that's more real and relevant than the lives of some ultra-violent Mafia kingpins.
Rated 13 May 2015
78
63rd
It's a good story well directed and with good acting. Didn't find it particularly interesting. The cat was nice.
Rated 04 Sep 2011
70
65th
Not a bad film, but very overrated. Never liked Brando that much either.
Rated 11 Feb 2013
90
84th
Elia Kazan made two thirds of a dark masterpiece, culminating with Terry's stand against Friendly's thugs in the bar, but the final act of On the Waterfront feels like its from some other film entirely, and the uplifting finale, with its oppressive brass score, unearned. Shame, since the set-up is one-of-a-kind.
Rated 12 May 2009
88
96th
Started off a little slow but it turned into a great movie
Rated 10 Jun 2018
70
54th
Terry: "Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy of life? Do it to him before he does it to you."
Rated 21 Feb 2022
60
28th
Overwrought and over the top at every opportunity
Rated 19 Mar 2018
98
96th
With his electrifying performance in Elia Kazan's thought-provoking, expertly constructed melodrama, Marlon Brando redefined the possibilities of acting for film and helped permanently alter the cinematic landscape.
Rated 01 Aug 2013
2
17th
brando's brilliance aside, it ultimately serves as little more than a failed vehicle for the expulsion of kazan's own demons - the story strays into the realms of the ridiculous, of imagined moral high grounds, supervillains and utopic conveniences, just to help him sleep at night.
Rated 28 Jun 2007
89
82nd
Revered for all the right reasons. Brando is amazing.
Rated 06 Feb 2011
90
94th
The protagonist in this film has some of the best character development I've ever seen from one movie. I attribute that to both Marlon Brando's performance and the writing/directing team. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did I was entranced the whole way through. Any passionate film fan who hasn't seen this is missing out.
Rated 02 Apr 2012
80
65th
Solid tale of redemption and doing what's right in spite of what may be smart (in terms of survival). The acting is stellar all around but the iconic "contender" speech seems tacked on like it's reaching for extra prestige. It's the least subtle part of the movie...except for the score. Now I didn't find the score as distracting as some but it doesn't do the movie many favours. Malden's speech in the docks about right and wrong was one of the highlights.
Rated 12 Jan 2016
67
65th
textbook definition of an _iconic_ performance right here, supported by a solid ensemble cast. Kazan's direction is almost of the same caliber. the bad parts: Lenny B's post-wagnerian schmalzy soundtrack, and the reduction of the girl to a plot device. a good movie, but could've been so much more. Kazan & Schulberg did better with A Face in the Crowd.
Rated 25 Jan 2020
87
71st
What are you a wiseguy?
Rated 30 Mar 2014
44
6th
brando just mumbles, the story is too righteous, saint is bland as fuck. steiger is the redeeming factor here, just about
Rated 25 Feb 2020
60
69th
The ending always reminded me of "Spartacus". Just realized this predated "Spartacus" by 6 years...
Rated 25 Sep 2023
94
98th
The ultimate working class hero.
Rated 09 Sep 2018
90
82nd
8 for Editing 9 for Directing 10 for Actor Performance 8 for Music 8 for Cinematography 10 for Costume Design 19 for Script :) 18 for Me :)
Rated 10 Nov 2009
95
90th
one of my all-time favorites. beautifully shot (especially the scene where terry confesses to edie - holy crap). such a great message about honor and strength, and a good criticism of corruption amongst union bosses and the like. a classic tale of the underdog overcoming all odds and looking pretty bad-ass whilst doing so.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
80
95th
Excellent film.
Rated 23 Dec 2010
97
90th
Easily the best acting job I have ever seen by none other than Marlon Brando. This movie blew my mind by how amazing it was. One of the all time greats!
Rated 25 Nov 2010
8
92nd
Great. A Masterpiece. Historically significant but still thoroughly enjoyable today.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
98
99th
Completely blown away. And damn, does Marlon Brando look good.
Rated 02 Oct 2014
100
90th
Lee J. Cobb is an absolute master.
Rated 26 Mar 2007
100
95th
Elia Kazan may be a cowardly scumbag but this movie is a classic
Rated 25 Mar 2008
92
79th
I honestly did not appreciate how good an actor Brando was until I saw this. His later reputation was not good but seeing this you can see why directors put up with his prima donna complex--his screen presence was worth it.
Rated 04 Nov 2009
73
83rd
Good Movie

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